MANILA, Philippines -- Intensified intelligence activities
are now in place across the country amid the torching of over P100
million worth of heavy-duty construction equipment by alleged members of
the New People’s Army in Albay on Friday night.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said authorities are now coordinating with people on the ground, but intelligence operations will also be intensified across the country.
Two soldiers were wounded when alleged members of the communist group attacked an ongoing construction of the international airport in Barangay Alobo at around 9:35 p.m. on Friday.
The commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, Col. Arthur Ang, said around eight members of the NPA harassed an Army detachment, which has been providing security at the construction site.
“Without our soldiers, all equipment and facilities could have been burned,” Ang said.
Two dump trucks, one backhoe, two articulated trucks, two payloaders, two road rollers and one grader were burned by another group of rebels.
The pieces of equipment are owned by Sunwest Corp.
The rebels have allegedly asked for revolutionary taxes from the private firm.
“This is a desperate move by the NPA rebels because Sunwest Corporation will never concede to their extortion demands,” Ang said.
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ABS-CBNnews.com | May 20, 2012 | Article Link
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said authorities are now coordinating with people on the ground, but intelligence operations will also be intensified across the country.
Two soldiers were wounded when alleged members of the communist group attacked an ongoing construction of the international airport in Barangay Alobo at around 9:35 p.m. on Friday.
The commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, Col. Arthur Ang, said around eight members of the NPA harassed an Army detachment, which has been providing security at the construction site.
“Without our soldiers, all equipment and facilities could have been burned,” Ang said.
Two dump trucks, one backhoe, two articulated trucks, two payloaders, two road rollers and one grader were burned by another group of rebels.
The pieces of equipment are owned by Sunwest Corp.
The rebels have allegedly asked for revolutionary taxes from the private firm.
“This is a desperate move by the NPA rebels because Sunwest Corporation will never concede to their extortion demands,” Ang said.
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ABS-CBNnews.com | May 20, 2012 | Article Link
